Throughout her life, Oluwatobi “Tobi” Oluwagbemi has experienced trauma. Her trials have made her stronger, and she hopes to provide a positive example for women in similar positions.

Born in the city of Ilorin, Ms. Oluwagbemi developed a passion for reading at a very young age, especially the works of Chinua Achebe. Books became a way to pass the time and to escape into another world. Her family moved from city to city which made it difficult to make many friends.

Ms. Oluwagbemi decided to study at a college in the United States. She hoped a change in location would bring some positivity into her life. She began taking classes at Troy University in Alabama. Life in the United States wasn’t what Ms. Oluwagbemi imagined it to be. She was bullied by her peers and starting experiencing depression. After a time, she transferred to St. Cloud State University, a life-changing decision.

Since moving to St. Cloud, Ms. Oluwagbemi has thrived. She has been awarded several honors and writes for the school newspaper and the St. Cloud Times. In the future, Ms. Oluwagbemi wants to become an ambassador for Nigeria, start an organization to help women who have experienced trauma, and write novels.